Train Comin' Down the Track

9:18 AM, Aug 22, 2012

Norfolk Southern Railroad is continuing to option property in New Market to construct an intermodal facility alongside its track. The yard will receive semi-tractor trailer trucks load the trailers on rail cars for shipping.

Local residents and farmers are trying to get the facility moved to an existing industrial park or brownfield and save the farm land. The site is also adjacent to New Market Elementary School.

Opponents may have one final card to play. It will be necessary for the County Commission to approve several road closures, roads that provide access to farms and homes on the west side of the tracks. The county will also have to pay for the construction of a new road to handle traffic disrupted by all the closures.

But the project has had the support of the Jefferson County mayor and the business community.